When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” — John 11:33-37

There is so much happening at this moment, but clearly, at the center of this moment is the emotional connection that Jesus has with mankind. These two words, "Jesus wept," are two of the most profound words in all of Scripture. It forces me to ask why was Jesus weeping. Was he weeping because Lazarus was dead? Or maybe he was weeping, for Mary and Martha just lost their only means of male provision. Or maybe he was weeping because of their continued unbelief in his total power over all things. Or maybe he was weeping because he was looking at Lazarus's grave and thinking about his own imminent death. Or maybe he was weeping because of how much he loved his own people, who still refused to believe in him.

I don't know the answer to this question, but I know this. Jesus comes close to us in our suffering. He is a Savior who suffers with us. He is not a distant God who is detached from the human experience. He is one who came close, experienced our pain, and felt our suffering. And what's so crazy is that he is willing to alleviate the suffering and shame of your sin. He knows human suffering so well he wants to remove it from your divine record so that you might spend eternity free from all suffering. He suffered so you wouldn't have to suffer.

So today, bring your concerns to Jesus, whatever it is. Tell him. If you are angry, tell him. If you are sad, tell him. If you are confused, tell him. I promise he will come close to you. And like the people in this text, you need to know you don't have to be perfect in your belief. You just have to come with a shred of broken and failing belief. And once you tell him, get out of his way and let him do what only he can do. I promise he will blow your mind.

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Jesus wept in the midst of this situation? Reflect on the various possibilities presented in the devotional and consider the depth of Jesus' emotional connection with humanity.
2. How does the understanding that Jesus comes close to us in our suffering impact your approach to prayer? In what ways can you bring your concerns, emotions, and doubts to Jesus, knowing that He is a compassionate Savior who desires to hear and respond to your heartfelt cries?

DO THIS: Let Jesus come close.

PRAY THIS: God, as I reflect on your profound love and empathy, I come before you with my joys, sorrows, doubts, and questions. Thank you for being a Savior who understands my suffering and invites me to bring my brokenness to you.

PLAY THIS: Came To My Rescue.